Under the Radar: The Sexual Exploitation of Young Men in Western Canada
McIntyre, S. & Miller, A. (2016). Under the Radar: The Sexual Exploitation of Young Men in Western Canada in Youth at Risk and Youth Justice: A Canadian Perspective. Winterdyk, J.A. & Smandych, R. eds. Oxford University Press.
This chapter offers an overview of the research on the issue of sexually exploited young persons, with specific attention directed toward young men in Western Canada. It focuses on the background of these young men prior to their involvement in the sexual exploitation trade (set). The demographics of the 157 young men interviewed were considered in the areas of Indigenous identity, age, running away, education, and background of sexual or physical abuse. The chapter explores how an individual enters the SET, at what age, and for how long, and also discusses family relations. The chapter also reviews dangers for young men working in the SET, such as homophobia, violence, lack of safety, and drug use. In closing, the chapter explores how young men are able to work in the SET, the services they need, and their attempts at exiting.